The district was identified in the partnership’s 2012-13 annual report as an area of focus for the coming fiscal year. Arapahoe Square spans from 20th Street to Park Avenue between Tremont Place and Larimer Street.

Brian Phetteplace, senior manager of economic development with DDP, said there is one big reason the area has been underserved.

“It’s an area that has not had any stewards or champions. It’s an amalgamation of other areas. No one has gone in and tackled it,” Phetteplace said.

He said the DDP would work to showcase the district to potential developers and investors. He added that the success of nearby areas such as Curtis Park, Five Points and The Ballpark should help, as will the light-rail stop at 20th and Welton.

“Arapahoe Square has been identified as downtown’s next great neighborhood. There’s lots of potential,” he said.

The DDP is not working alone, as several other entities such as the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, Denver Public Works and Community Planning and Development have made efforts to help spur revitalization in Arapahoe Square.

DURA executive director Tracy Huggins said the collaborative effort has been good so far.

Phetteplace said zoning for development could be a challenge, but DDP would work to get whatever zoning necessary for a business or developer to move in. He added that some fractured ownership in the district will also provide a future challenge.

The DDP is shooting for mixed-used residential properties as well as business involvement in Arapahoe Square. Phetteplace referenced apartment complexes with shops on the ground floor.

Some of the development has begun as the 2020 Lawrence residential development was completed in January and brought some moderately priced apartments to the area.

Some businesses have heard the call. Wonderbound, formerly Ballet Nouveau, moved to the area in March and hopes to be part of the revitalization.

“We’re having conversations with a lot of people in the area. It’s exciting to be a big part of the energy and momentum,” Wonderbound artistic director Garrett Ammon said.

I report on Denver and South Jefferson County for the YourHub section. I started here in August 2011, coming over from Colorado Community Newspapers. In addition to reporting, I've been an active percussion teacher in the metro area since 2001. I've taught at Lois Lenski Elementary School in Littleton, and too many high schools to count. Currently, I teach the percussion ensemble at Golden High School. And I've been a member of the Denver Broncos Stampede drumline since 2003.

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